How to Be Industrial Maintenance Engineer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 3, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The failure to properly maintain industrial machinery can have a serious effect on production. Industrial maintenance engineers are responsible for ensuring that all industrial equipment is kept in optimal working condition. If a piece of equipment breaks down, industrial maintenance engineers have the knowledge and skills to repair it quickly and efficiently.

They also prevent future breakdowns by conducting routine inspections and preventive maintenance to identify any potential problems before they develop into costly repairs. By properly maintaining industrial machinery, industrial maintenance engineers help increase the efficiency and reliability of production processes, reduce downtime, and improve worker safety.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Industrial maintenance engineers typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent to work in this field.
Pursue a postsecondary education. Most industrial maintenance engineers have at least an associates degree in engineering technology or a related field.
Consider becoming certified. Certification is not usually required for industrial maintenance engineers, but it may make you more attractive to employers. The Institute of Maintenance and Reliability Professionals offers several certifications for industrial maintenance engineers.
Participate in an internship. You may want to consider completing an internship to gain practical experience in the field. Internships may be available through your school or through local companies.
Get some experience. It is important to have some experience in the field to be competitive in the job market. Consider working as a technician or engineer in a related field before applying for jobs as an industrial maintenance engineer.
Apply for jobs. Once you have the necessary qualifications and experience, you can start looking for jobs as an industrial maintenance engineer. Job postings can be found online and in local newspapers.

The importance of having a qualified and experienced industrial maintenance engineer cannot be overstated. This is because they ensure that the machines and equipment used in industrial settings are in optimal condition and operating safely. Poor maintenance can lead to decreased efficiency, accidents, or even costly equipment breakdowns.

As a result, having a qualified maintenance engineer is essential for ensuring the reliability of equipment and the safety of personnel. Furthermore, a qualified industrial maintenance engineer can identify potential problems early, allowing for timely repairs and preventing further damage. Therefore, having an experienced and knowledgeable engineer on staff is a must for any industrial setting.

You may want to check Industrial Automation Technician, Industrial Process Operator, and Industrial Welder for alternative.

Job Description

Develop, install, and maintain industrial equipment and machinery in accordance with safety regulations
Troubleshoot and repair problems with industrial equipment and machinery
Perform regular maintenance and preventive maintenance on industrial equipment and machinery
Monitor the performance of industrial equipment and machinery to ensure efficiency
Diagnose and identify root causes of technical issues in industrial equipment and machinery
Order parts and materials to maintain and repair industrial equipment and machinery
Assemble, install, and commission new industrial equipment and machinery
Manage inventory of parts, materials, and tools used in maintenance
Train personnel on the use of industrial equipment and machinery
Provide technical direction and guidance to other maintenance technicians
Prepare cost estimates for repairs and maintenance work
Maintain detailed records of work performed and update maintenance logs

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to read, understand, and interpret technical documents and schematics.
Knowledge of electrical troubleshooting and repair techniques.
Technical proficiency in the use of common hand and power tools.
Ability to operate a wide range of specialized maintenance equipment.
Proficiency in the use of computer-aided maintenance management software.
Ability to identify and diagnose mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic problems.
Knowledge of safe work practices when performing maintenance activities.
Understanding of industrial safety regulations and best-practices.
Knowledge of preventative maintenance techniques and procedures.
Working knowledge of quality control systems and processes.
Ability to read blueprints and schematics to determine the layout of complex machinery.
Excellent problem-solving skills for quickly diagnosing and resolving problems.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Good communication skills for effectively discussing maintenance issues with other personnel.
Ability to work in confined spaces and uncomfortable positions for extended periods of time.

Industrial maintenance engineers play a vital role in ensuring that the production of a company runs smoothly and efficiently. One of the most important skills they must possess is problem-solving. Being able to identify and resolve any issues quickly and effectively can make a huge difference in the production process, saving time and money.

Having a deep understanding of the technical aspects of the machines and systems used in the production process is also crucial. In addition, they must have the ability to troubleshoot effectively and develop creative solutions to complex problems. Industrial maintenance engineers must also be well-versed in the principles of engineering and its related disciplines, as this knowledge can help them to design and improve the production process.

Finally, having solid communication skills is also essential, as it allows them to effectively communicate with colleagues, supervisors, customers, and other stakeholders.

Industrial Project Manager, Industrial Refrigeration Technician, and Industrial Painter are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

Describe your experience with industrial maintenance engineering.
What safety protocols do you follow while performing industrial maintenance?
How do you troubleshoot and diagnose complex mechanical and electrical problems?
What challenges have you faced while performing maintenance engineering?
How do you keep up with the latest industry trends and developments?
What strategies do you use to motivate personnel to adhere to safety protocols?
Describe a time you had to work on an unfamiliar piece of equipment.
How do you determine when repairs or replacements need to be made?
What techniques do you use to improve efficiency and reduce downtime?
What experience do you have in developing preventative maintenance programs?

Common Tools in Industry

Hand Tools. Used to tighten and loosen fasteners, such as screws, bolts and nuts. (eg: Screwdriver)
Power Tools. Used to quickly perform tasks with greater force than hand tools. (eg: Impact Wrench)
Diagnostic Tools. Used to detect problems with machines and systems. (eg: Oscilloscope)
Measuring Tools. Used to accurately measure distances, angles, and other features. (eg: Calipers)
Welding Tools. Used to join two pieces of metal together. (eg: MIG Welder)
Assembly Tools. Used to assemble machines and components together. (eg: Allen Wrench)
Cutting Tools. Used to cut materials into desired shapes and sizes. (eg: Hole Saw)
Fastening Tools. Used to secure materials together. (eg: Nail Gun)
Pneumatic Tools. Powered by compressed air, used for drilling and grinding. (eg: Air Hammer)
Lifting Tools. Used to raise and lower heavy objects. (eg: Jack)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society for Quality (ASQ)
Society of Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP)
International Association of Plant Engineers (IAPE)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Automation Federation
Robotics Industries Association
Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)
National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS)
National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA)
National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)

Common Important Terms

Preventative Maintenance. The process of regularly inspecting and servicing machines and systems to reduce the risk of breakdowns and downtime.
Reliability Engineering. A discipline that focuses on improving the reliability and availability of a system or product.
Predictive Maintenance. An approach to maintenance that uses data collected from machines and systems to predict when maintenance will be needed.
Automation. The use of technology to automate tasks that would otherwise be done manually.
Troubleshooting. The process of diagnosing and resolving problems with a system or machine.
Quality Control. The process of ensuring that products meet predetermined standards of quality.
Root Cause Analysis. The process of identifying the underlying cause of an issue or problem.
Lean Manufacturing. The practice of creating more efficient processes and waste-reducing practices.
Process Improvement. The use of methods to improve processes, such as reducing waste and increasing efficiency.
Safety Compliance. Adhering to safety regulations and guidelines to ensure a safe working environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Industrial Maintenance Engineer?

An Industrial Maintenance Engineer is a professional who specializes in the installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of industrial machinery and equipment.

What qualifications are required for an Industrial Maintenance Engineer?

To become an Industrial Maintenance Engineer, one typically needs to have a bachelors degree in engineering or a related field, as well as experience in the maintenance and repair of industrial machinery and equipment.

What duties are involved in an Industrial Maintenance Engineer role?

Industrial Maintenance Engineers are responsible for installing, maintaining, troubleshooting and repairing industrial machinery and equipment. They also conduct inspections and tests to ensure proper functioning and identify any potential problems.

What skills are important for an Industrial Maintenance Engineer?

Essential skills for an Industrial Maintenance Engineer include strong technical and mechanical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, excellent communication skills, and attention to detail.